Thursday Highlights: Innovation & Inspiration at the National Child Nutrition Conference
April 17, 2025
Thursday continued the momentum with engaging discussions, thought-provoking workshops, and insightful featured speakers. Here’s a recap of the day’s key moments, with space for attendee reflections!
Networking Over Breakfast
The day started with the CACFP Professionals Networking Breakfast and Continental Breakfast, Coffee & Conversation, where attendees connected and shared ideas over a morning meal. Shop Talks followed, offering focused discussions on industry trends.
"I have learned so many things! I have enjoyed how interactive the sessions have been and am bringing a lot of things home. I am getting my brain moving and able to think about how I can implement this for our older kids. It is always good to bring things back to our kids." - Roland Landa, NCNC25 Attendee
Dynamic Workshops & Speed Sessions
The schedule featured multiple Workshop Sessions, covering a variety of essential topics in child nutrition. Attendees also participated in quick Speed Sessions, gaining valuable insights in a short time.
"This was my first conference, and I am taking away a lot of information! I had a lot of confusion about whole grain initially and after taking the whole grain session, I now have a much better understanding. The instructor (Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD) broke it down and gave us a lot of visuals that truly helped." -Kreshia Bernard, NCNC25 Attendee
Featured Speakers: AI, Leadership & Whole-Child Wellness
The afternoon was highlighted by Featured Speaker Sessions, each bringing unique perspectives to the conference:
- Harnessing AI in Federal Nutrition Programs – Luke Corbin explored how AI can optimize workflows and improve program efficiency.
- The Power of Pause – LaShonda Walker emphasized mindfulness and emotional regulation for stronger leadership.
- Inside and Out: Sesame Street’s Whole Child Wellness – Antonio Freitas shared free, research-based resources to support children’s holistic development.
Wrapping Up with Shop Talks
The day concluded with another round of Shop Talks, allowing attendees to reflect on key takeaways and exchange insights.
"Overall, the sessions I attended were super informative, especially the speed sessions. All of the information that was given in thirty minutes really helped me to digest the information effectively." - Vanessa Huynh, NCNC25 Attendee
Looking Ahead
With the final day approaching, the conference continues to inspire with impactful sessions and connections. Stay tuned for more updates as we head into the home stretch!
